Most dogs and cats recovered within 5 days of discharge after hospitalization secondary to crotalid (pit viper) envenomation: a survey-based study.

Most dogs and cats recover within 5 days of discharge after pit viper envenomation, with long-term sequelae being uncommon.

This retrospective survey-based study investigated long-term sequelae following crotalid (pit viper) envenomation in dogs and cats that survived to hospital discharge at a single institution between January 2018 and July 2024. Of 241 surveys distributed to pet owners, 51 (21%) were returned, yielding a study population of 47 dogs and 4 cats. The primary outcome measure was time to full recovery post-discharge, assessed alongside the Modified Snakebite Severity Score (MSSS) at admission and number of antivenom vials administered. The majority of patients (78%, n=40) returned to normal within 5 days of discharge. A small subset of dogs (6%, n=3) required 6 to 9 weeks for full recovery. Behavioral changes were suspected in 13.7% (n=7) of patients post-envenomation. Statistically, the MSSS at admission correlated moderately with both the number of antivenom vials administered (ρ=0.412) and days to return to normal behavior (ρ=0.455). Notably, the number of antivenom vials was not independently associated with recovery duration, suggesting severity at presentation is a more meaningful prognostic indicator. Long-term sequelae were uncommon overall. Limitations include a low survey response rate (21%), recall bias inherent to owner-reported outcomes, and the small feline cohort. Clinically, the findings support counseling pet owners to expect transient lethargy lasting fewer than 5 days post-discharge, with instructions to seek veterinary attention if lethargy persists beyond this window.

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